by Saoiste
(Ireland .)
Helio revolutionized traditional Ju Jitsu , he created BJJ & he personally proved his system challenging & accepting fights with all comers from all disciplines both professional & amateur well into his mid 40’s .
His Legacy is that his sons have also proven the system by fighting & beating the very best from all other disciplines using their fathers techniques & philosophy’s .
His son Rorion created the UFC .
His son Royce proved his system in the UFC , defeating not just steroided up street fighting monsters like Kimo (Watch that fight ) , but he also beat skilled traditional Martial Artists like Gerard Gordeau , Keith Hackney & Remco Pardoel & He beat Ken Shamrock & Dan Severin who were great wrestlers .
The result of that success is that Helios techniques are practiced every day & used in every single MMA contest by every MMA fighter in the world .
Helio taught classes into his 90’s .
Helio would Spar with his Grandchildren while in his 90’s & if that isnt a testament to the health benefits of his System then I cant imagine what is .
I wouldnt just listen to claims that Helio is possibly the single greatest Martial Artist of all times , I would listen to claims that he is possibly the Greatest Fighter of all times & he is one of the greatest thinking Martial Artists & Fighters of all time .
This isnt a Helio V Bruce comment , both were remarkable men .
But if its actual accomplishments we are talking about then Helio is way ahead of Bruce who was iconic yes but can never be held up as an example of being a great fighter .
Bruce was & is inspirational , his philosophy’s were excellent & he was a man of excellence but for me its very hard to ignore Helio Gracie , his accomplishments & his legacy .